If You Must Know (Potomac Point #1)(115)
“I’ll help,” Dodo added.
My mother smiled at her sister, but I suspected she’d rather not have Dodo micromanaging her time with her grandson the way she’d micromanaged this little picnic. Their relationship made me smile, though, because like with so many sisters, despite the friction, they had each other’s backs.
“Thanks. We’ll let you know.” Kevin nodded at Richard. “You ready?”
Richard sighed. “I hate to go, but yes. I left my bag by the front door, so I’ll meet you by the car.”
Kevin and his family disappeared into the kitchen as Richard turned to my mother. “Thank you for welcoming me to visit Willa during Erin’s birthday weekend. It’s been a real pleasure to meet you all, especially my beautiful little granddaughter.”
Mom self-consciously toyed with her hair, not quite meeting Richard’s intense gaze. “Certainly. You’re part of the family now.”
Aunt Dodo’s brows rose high on her large forehead as she stared into her cup of coffee.
Richard smiled, while Erin shot me “a look” that wasn’t all that different from Dodo’s. But Richard Foster had been unobtrusive and kind, affirming my decision to include him in Willa’s life, so I was grateful that Mom hadn’t made him feel unwelcome.
He turned to Erin. “Happy birthday, young lady. I’ll see you all again in the fall.”
I thought to invite him to Thanksgiving but would wait to see how things played out in the coming weeks. One could push Madeline Turner only so far so fast, and I didn’t want to give Aunt Dodo a heart attack in this heat.
Richard squeezed my shoulder. “Thanks for my little soap package. Good luck to you girls with your men’s line.”
“You’re welcome!” Erin said, rubbing her hands together victoriously.
In the past weeks she’d developed a line of men’s products, and I’d worked to build a customer database and regular newsletter, and set up a reward program for repeat customers. But more important than the ultimate financial success of the venture was its meaning for my relationship with my sister.
After Richard left, Erin asked, “Did anyone talk to Kevin about the boat?”
Mom cleared her throat. “He thinks I should involve a boat broker. It’ll cost me something in commission, but the boat will probably sell faster.”
The Office currently called a slip in the bay home, but I’d never set foot on it. Erin had taken pictures, but seeing them made the images of Lyle and Ebba’s love cruise too pointed, killing my interest in a private tour.
“Listen to Kevin,” Aunt Dodo instructed.
My mother started to clear the table without answering. Their relationship reminded me of what Erin and I used to be, and made me grateful for the change. When she went inside, Dodo turned to me. “So custody is secured? And your house is already under contract?”
“Yes, Aunt Dodo. My neighbor’s good friend wanted my house, so I sold it without a broker, which offset the late fees I owed.”
“You kept it so beautifully—no wonder someone wanted it. I’m glad for you. And what of Lyle?” Aunt Dodo had an abrasive way of asking questions like a grand inquisitor, but I’d long ago learned the best way to handle her was to answer quickly and move on.
“He’s accepted a plea bargain for some fines and a four-year sentence but could get out sooner on good behavior.”
“Does he get visitation?”
“Not while he’s in prison. As for the future, I’m reserving judgment to see how things go. He is Willa’s father, and if he’s reformed or she wants to meet him, I’ll deal with it then.”
Erin cleared her throat in an obvious attempt to change the subject.
“Quit hogging the baby.” My sister unapologetically stretched across the table and took Willa out of my arms before turning to Eli, who’d set down his guitar. “I think she looks like me, don’t you?”
“So much so I thought she was yours,” he teased, his arm slung loosely around Erin’s waist.
Willa did have my sister’s chin. She also had my fair complexion and blonde hair, and Lyle’s eyes—bright-blue buttons beneath high, arched brows.
No one mentioned that, but everyone had to see it. I couldn’t guess how long it would take for me not to see him every time I looked at her, but his looming presence didn’t diminish my love for her. If anything, it might slowly erode my hatred for him. No matter what else he’d done wrong, without Lyle, I wouldn’t have my daughter, and she was worth any suffering I’d endured.
I’d lost a husband but gained a daughter and my sister. Since husbands can be replaced, I figured I made out okay in the end.
AN EXCERPT FROM
TRUTH OF THE MATTER
A POTOMAC POINT NOVEL
EDITOR’S NOTE: THIS IS AN EARLY EXCERPT AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE FINISHED BOOK
CHAPTER ONE
Anne Sullivan Chase
Ten more minutes—fifteen, tops. I can stick this closing out for that long without falling apart. A revenge plan of some kind might’ve cushioned the blow, but payback won’t put my family back together. I’ve survived losses before. The only new ground this time will be helping my daughter, Katy, cope with the fallout. I have a plan for that, but at present I’m best served by relaxing my shoulders, sipping my water, and maintaining my carefully blank expression.